GATEWAY STAFF
SAM MARTIN
Lead Pastor
After a successful career in the construction industry, Sam joined the staff of Gateway in 2008, taking on various roles in the church before becoming Lead Pastor in 2021. In his spare time, Sam loves woodworking and is passionate about Mt. Dew. He and his amazing wife, Katie, celebrated 20 years of marriage in 2024, and they are raising two also-amazing kids, Finn and Olive (they clearly take after their mom!).
Fun Fact: Sam loves to surf and his favorite candy is Reese’s Pieces!
JEREMY CROSBY
Operations Pastor
Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as Operations Pastor. Not only has he served in several areas while on staff at Gateway, but his background in management and finance make him a perfect fit as Operations Pastor. When he’s not wrangling staff, you can find him spending time with his greatest loves: his wife Amber and their two kids, Jayce and Oaklyn.
Fun Fact: Jeremy can throw down in the kitchen and makes a mean mac ‘n cheese!
JACOB CONNELL
Discipleship Pastor
Jacob is a man of many talents, whether that’s exegeting a text or explaining what exegesis is. If an instrument exists, he probably plays it (and if he doesn’t, just give him 5 minutes.) You’ll rarely find him without an iced coffee in hand. With a background in ministry, law enforcement, and mischief, he is currently continuing his studies at Liberty University, where he’s pursuing his Masters of Divinity. He is married to the phenomenal Sunny, and they have two adult children, Katie and John, who will not get out of his house.
Fun Fact: As a toddler, Jacob was the substitute for the substitute guitar player for the Christian metal band, Stryper.
STEVEN STEINER
Students Pastor
It might surprise you to learn that a man who trained to be a math teacher is now a pastor to students, but it turns out that high schoolers give quadratic equations a run for their money when it comes to complexity. Steven joined the staff at Gateway in 2019. When he’s not fixing whatever the students have broken in the building, Steven enjoys nerding out with his 3D Printer and ham radio setup. He and his wife, Steph, have been married since 2014 and are raising 3 incredible kids: Alli, Grantlee, and Leo.
Fun Fact: Back in the day, Steven worked as a Pool Supervisor, Swim Coach, and Lifeguard. We’re trying to make the nickname “Baywatch” happen.
IAN O'BOYLE
Connections Pastor
After 22 years in the US Coast Guard, Ian retired from the military in 2020 and entered ministry. He and his family previously attended Gateway while stationed in Georgia, and they’re excited to return home! He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from American Military University and joined the Gateway staff in 2024 as our Connections Pastor. Ian and Danielle have been married for more than 20 years and are parents to Emma and Jacob.
Fun Fact: Ian appeared on a celebrity cooking show. Unfortunately, he had to use his least favorite food: celery (It still tasted pretty good, though!)
KATE ADAMS
Worship Arts Director
Kate and her husband, PJ, have been a part of Gateway from almost the very beginning. As a well-loved member of the worship team for many years, Kate made the leap into full-time ministry in 2021. In addition to her role as Worship Director, Kate helps oversee our global missions projects, working with a team of volunteers to support our efforts around the world. Kate and PJ have 4 incredible kids: Levi, Asher, Mae Mae, and Abram.
Fun Fact: As a neonatal intensive care nurse for 15 years, Kate was also trained as a flight nurse to transport the sickest of babies to the best hospitals for their condition.
KRISTA CROSBY
Children's Director
With 5 grown children (Victoria, Isabella, Alec, Olivia, and Lane), and 4 grandchildren (Weston, Willow, Josie Kate, and Ella Jane), Krista is pretty much an expert on kids. She began attending Gateway in 2013 and 3 years later joined the staff as a Ministry Assistant. She became the Children’s Director in 2023, but still brings her background in interior design to all of Gateway’s events. Krista is certified in Children’s Ministry by the International Children’s Ministry Network. She loves ice water with lemon, lime and orange slices, and spends her free time with her precious grandbabies.
Fun Fact: Krista was connected with her biological father in 2020!
JESS PERRY
Communications Director
While she’s most passionate about equipping and connecting people to Jesus, Jess’ greatest joy is annoying her husband, John, as a means of demonstrating her deep love and affection for him. With a degree in Music and Worship Arts from Hope International University, Jess joined the Gateway staff in 2023 after 20 years as a Creative Arts Pastor in Southern California. She and John love to cook and entertain, and enjoy traveling and exploring their new Georgia home.
Fun Fact: Jess got to live out her dream of being the girl that sang the fireworks song at Disneyland as part of the World of Color Virtual Honor Choir in 2013.
KATHEE JOHNSON
Administrative Assistant
Kathee joined the staff at Gateway in 2015 as the Curriculum Coordinator and transitioned to the role of Administrative Assistant in 2024. Prior to her work at Gateway, Kathee worked as a florist and in the banking industry. Kathee is a 3-time cancer surviver who uses her experience to help other women going through the same thing. She and her husband, Don, have been married for more than 30 years and have 4 adult children. They are proud grandparents to Sophia, Ryder, Addie, Mathis, Titan, and Clayton.
Fun Fact: Kathee met her husband at traffic school!
GRIFFIN ELLIS
Media Producer
Are some people born great or do they have greatness thrust upon them? Either way, Griffin Ellis is the GOAT, a legendary jack-of-all-technical-trades who eats audio/visual gremlins for lunch. He started as a temp in 2020 and he just can’t get rid of us! He enjoys Mike ‘N Ikes and Dr. Pepper, which fuel his insane work ethic. In his spare time (which we’re not entirely sure actually exists) he enjoys photography and videography.
Fun Fact: Griffin is the Broadcast Engineer for the Savannah Bananas and an Eagle Scout!
HEATHER NICKEL
Kidz Curriculum & Event Coordinator
After many years as a volunteer, Heather joined the Gateway staff in 2024. With her degrees in Elementary and Special Education and her years of experience in the classroom, Heather brings a wealth of knowledge to our Kidz ministry. When she’s not working with kids, she loves coffee, chocolate, and baking. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, Josh, and they have 3 kids, Jackson, Caleb, and Emily.
Fun Fact: Heather is a living organ donor!
RICHELE REDDING
Finance Secretary
After years of work experience on the finance side of both business and church, Richele brought her passion and skill to Gateway as our Finance Secretary in 2024. She and her husband, Curtis, spend their free time at the mountains or beach, spending time together, shopping, and exploring. They also enjoy baseball and exploring all the ballparks with their adult son.
Fun Fact: When she was young, Richele got to fly on a sea plane in Alaska!